Systems of Government

The various Systems of Governments can be categorized based on Economy – what governs trading of goods or services, Politics – what strategies are used to run the government and Authority – who has the power to choose the government.

Based on economy there are three Systems of Governments namely Capitalist, Socialist and Communist. In a Capitalist system of government people have the right to run their own business and must purchase services for private use. e.g., healthcare. When a Socialist Government is implemented the Government owns big industries and makes available educational and healthcare services to the people. The people are given fewer economic choices. In a Communist system of Government all the businesses and farms are owned by the Government and people are provided with all services namely healthcare, education, etc.

Based on politics there are seven Systems of Governments such as Dictatorial, Totalitarian, Theocratic, Monarchial, Parliamentary, Republican and Anarchical. In a Dictatorial Government, there is generally one single leader known as a dictator who has the entire power. In a Totalitarian form of Government, only one political party exists and rules the country. The citizens might be forced to abide by their norms and migration can also be prohibited. In a Theocratic Government, the leaders rule over the country with religious ideologies. In Monarchy a king or queen rules the country. When a Parliamentary system is implemented, people’s representatives who would be members of political parties will rule as long as their respective parties are in power. In a Republican Government, elections are held and the candidate who attains the maximum votes rules for a specific period of time. In an Anarchical system, no government exists. Generally this happens to countries whose government has been destroyed after civil wars and there is a fight between rival parties to get hold of its place.

Based on who has the authority to choose the government there are four Systems of Government which are Revolutionary, Totalitarian, Oligarchy/Plutocracy and Democratic. In a Revolutionary form a new group replaces the existing system. In a Totalitarian system, a single political party assumes rule. In a Plutocratic system, an elite group has all power. They rule in their own way and voice of the minorities is neglected. In a democratic system elections are held and people choose the government.

Questions:

• What are the three criterions based on which Systems of Government have been classified?
• What is the difference between dictatorial and democratic governments?